There were three DesignDash events held this academic year: one in the fall in Iowa City and two in the spring — one in Cedar Rapids and one in Iowa City. DesignDash is a one-day speedy startup simulation and part of the Jacobson Institute’s BizInnovator Startup entrepreneurship program. DesignDash events are organized by Dawn Bowlus, director of the Jacobson Institute, in collaboration with local entities interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and creative problem solving. This year’s partners included the Iowa EdTech Collaborative, Iowa City Area Development, Grant Wood Area Education Agency. The Jacobson Institute is part of the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) — the lead sponsor for this program.

“It bridges the gap between schools and communities and engages participants in creative problem-solving, tackling challenges about which they care,” Bowlus said. “DesignDash provides the full immersion experience kick-starting the process.”

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